It was Christmas Eve, and I’ll never forget the moment I first tasted those delightful Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese. I was over at my sister’s house, and the aromas wafting from the kitchen were absolutely mouthwatering. I couldn’t resist sneaking in to see what she was making, and that’s when I spotted the most beautiful, vibrant red pinwheels on the counter.
“What are those?” I asked, my curiosity piqued.
“Oh, you’re just in time!” she exclaimed. “These are my famous Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese. I made them special for the holiday party tonight.”
She explained how the combination of tart cranberries, creamy feta, and the flaky, buttery pastry was an absolute flavor explosion. Without hesitation, she handed me one to try, and from the first bite, I was hooked. The savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors danced on my tongue, and I couldn’t believe I’d never had these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese before.
That night, as I munched on these addictive little bites, I knew I had to get the recipe. I just had to be able to make Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese for my own holiday gatherings. And let me tell you, they’ve been a huge hit ever since!
Why This Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese
What makes this Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The tart, juicy cranberries provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, tangy feta cheese. And the flaky, buttery pastry dough wraps it all up into an irresistible pinwheel that’s easy to serve and even easier to eat. Plus, the addition of a creamy cream cheese layer takes these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels to the next level. It’s a flavor combination that’s simply out of this world.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Puff pastry: The foundation of these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels, providing that lovely flaky texture.
- Fresh cranberries: Tart, juicy, and bursting with holiday flavor.
- Feta cheese: Creamy, tangy, and the perfect pairing for the cranberries.
- Cream cheese: Adds a rich, creamy element that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance out the tartness of the cranberries.
- Thyme: Provides a warm, earthy note that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese come together quickly and easily, making them the perfect last-minute holiday appetizer or snack. The total prep and cook time is just under an hour, and you’ll need a baking sheet, a sharp knife, and a rolling pin to get started.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2- On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry into a large rectangle, about 1/8 inch thick.
3- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, feta, cranberries, honey, and thyme until well combined.
4- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border on all sides.
5- Carefully roll up the puff pastry, starting from the long side, to create a tight spiral. Slice the roll into 1-inch thick pinwheels.
6- Arrange the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and flaky.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese is to work quickly and keep the pastry dough chilled. If it starts to get too soft, simply pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes before continuing. And be sure to use a very sharp knife when slicing the pinwheels to get clean, neat cuts. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor combinations – the possibilities are endless!
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese
These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are the ultimate holiday appetizer, but they also make a great snack or even a light lunch. Serve them alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies for a delicious and balanced meal. And don’t forget the drinks – a crisp white wine or a festive holiday cocktail would be the perfect pairing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. Once baked, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze the unbaked pinwheels for up to 3 months. Just slice them, arrange on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese
Creative Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese Variations
The great thing about these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese is that they lend themselves to all kinds of variations and flavor twists. Try swapping out the cranberries for other fruit like apples, pears, or even dried cherries. You could also mix up the cheeses, using goat cheese or brie instead of feta. And for a festive touch, sprinkle on some chopped walnuts or pecans before baking.
Making Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese Diet-Friendly
To make these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese more diet-friendly, you can opt for a lower-fat cream cheese and use a reduced-fat feta cheese. For a gluten-free version, simply swap the puff pastry for a gluten-free pie crust or puff pastry dough. And for a vegan take, use a plant-based cream cheese and omit the feta, or try a nut-based cheese instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work great in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them and pat them dry before using.
Q: How far in advance can I make the Cranberry Feta Pinwheels?
A: You can make the pinwheels up to 4 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake them just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the unbaked pinwheels?
A: Yes, you can! Slice the pinwheels, arrange them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How do I prevent the pinwheels from unraveling?
A: To keep the pinwheels tightly rolled, make sure to work quickly and chill the dough if it starts to get too soft. Also, be sure to slice the roll into pinwheels using a very sharp knife for clean, neat cuts.
Q: Can I make these Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These pinwheels can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven until warm and crispy.
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels With Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 24 pinwheels
Description
Indulge in the irresistible combination of tart cranberries, creamy feta, and rich cream cheese wrapped in flaky puff pastry. These Cranberry Feta Pinwheels are a delightful holiday appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp dried thyme
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – Roll out the puff pastry sheet on a lightly floured surface into a 12×9-inch rectangle.
3. – In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, feta cheese, chopped cranberries, sugar, and dried thyme until well combined.
4. – Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the puff pastry, leaving a 1-inch border.
5. – Starting from the long side, tightly roll up the puff pastry into a log.
6. – Slice the log into 1-inch thick pinwheels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
7. – Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the pinwheels are golden brown.
8. – Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a festive touch, lightly dust the baked pinwheels with powdered sugar. These pinwheels can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese are the ultimate holiday appetizer – they’re easy to make, bursting with festive flavors, and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the same delightful flavors I discovered that memorable Christmas Eve. Let me know in the comments how your Cranberry Feta Pinwheels with Cream Cheese turn out, and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends and family!
